Country needs informed citizens, not blind followers for strong democracy, says Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan reviewing the parade during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at District Police Grounds in Kakinada city on August 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan has asked the youth to think before believing something, question before following, and inquire before taking a decision.Also read | Independence Day 2026 highlightsAddressing the youth after hoisting the national flag during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at District Police Grounds in Kakinada city on Saturday (August 15, 2026), Mr. Kalyan has reiterated, “In the era of technology, information is reaching the people at good speed, but speed is not truth. For a strong democracy, the country needs informed citizens and not blind followers”.Everything is now in the hands of the youth — mobile, technology, information, right to vote, and talent. Above all, the future of the youth and the country is also in the hands of the youth, asserted Mr. Pawan Kalyan. Direction for youth“Your ideas should be free, show dissent on injustice, and have a quest for change. You [the youth] can question the government, criticize policies, and protest. However, your anger should not be transformed into destruction. The problems you choose may be genuine. But think who is taking those problems in which direction?”, appealed Mr. Kalyan. The system should not be destroyed if there is a mistake in it. The focus should be to correct it, he added. The onus on generationRecalling the role of the young freedom fighters, namely Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Bhagat Singh, in the freedom struggle, Mr. Kalyan has said, “Every generation holds a responsibility of its time. The first generation that witnessed independence had laid the pillars for nation building. Now, the onus of ‘nation building’ is on the shoulders of the youth”.Going down memory lane of his movements for the people’s problems in Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Kalyan has claimed that he never allowed violence or division in society while fighting for the people’s problems. The future of IndiaGuiding the youth, Mr. Pawan Kalyan has stated that the interaction with youth is an interaction with the future of India. “There is no scarcity of talent in India which needs opportunities. It is time to create opportunities”, said Mr. Kalyan. My call to the youth of the country is not to sell your idea for false information as it spreads ‘hatred’. “The country needs youth who would question, find solutions, create opportunities and lead the country”, said Mr. Kalyan. Published - August 15, 2026 11:52 am IST